The Donkey Sanctuary and Barclays celebrate a 50-year partnership

The Donkey Sanctuary’s golden anniversary was celebrated last week alongside its 50-year banking partnership with Barclays bank.

Representatives from Barclays visited the charity’s international headquarters in Sidmouth where they presented staff with an engraved Dartington Crystal glass vase. The inscription on the vase read ‘The Donkey Sanctuary - Celebrating 50 years in 2019 - Presented by your proud supporters - Barclays’.

Barclays has been The Donkey Sanctuary’s bank since it was founded by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen in 1969. During this time, it has grown from a charity rescuing UK donkeys from neglect and abuse, to an international welfare organisation transforming the lives of millions of donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for a living.

Chris Young, Director of Finance at The Donkey Sanctuary says: "We are extremely grateful to Barclays for the gift marking our golden anniversary and our 50-year partnership. Since we were founded, they have provided us with a high level of personal service, the latest technological facilities and specialist charity sector updates.”

The visitors were given a tour of the Sidmouth Sanctuary, home to more than 200 donkeys, where they met staff and learnt more about the international work of the charity.

Tony Walsh, Head of Barclays Mid-Corporate, UK, says: “We are proud to celebrate The Donkey Sanctuary’s 50th anniversary and to support such a fantastic charity on their important work at home and internationally.  We are delighted to be their long term banking partner and we wish them continued success in their endeavours championing animal welfare and relief, both domestically and around the world.”

The Donkey Sanctuary’s milestone anniversary provides an opportunity to both look back on the charity’s landmark achievements and take stock of the massive challenges in a world where the suffering of animals remains abhorrent.